Detroit Red Wings center Darren Helm is out for the playoffs after having surgery Wednesday night to repair lacerated tendons in his right forearm, the club announced today.

Helm is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the start of training camp in September.

Helm's was cut by the blade of Alexander Radulov's skate with about six minutes to play in the first period of Nashville's 3-2 victory in Game 1 of the Western Conference quarterfinals at Bridgestone Arena.

It's a huge loss for the team, which relies heavily on Helm's speed, forechecking ability and physical play, particularly in the playoffs.

The injury likely will prompt coach Mike Babcock to move Justin Abdelkader from fourth-line center back to third-line center, where he played the final 10 games of the regular season, when Helm was idled by a sprained left MCL.

Cory Emmerton would then move from wing back to center on the fourth line. Rookie Gustav Nyquist or veteran Chris Conner likely will be inserted into the lineup for Game 2 Friday in Nashville.

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Seriously, after having this happen to two of our guys, can the Wings brass make some sort of arm protection mandatory? The longer gloves, anything. Like Mickey keeps saying, I don't think the extra mobility you get from the shorter gloves is worth risking potentially season ending injuries over.

I doubt Helm will be back for the playoffs. Hope he has a quick recovery and can bounce back from this.

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